Morning Marquee: Travis Wood fighting for rotation spot; Jon Lester already in Mesa

In 2013, Travis Wood was a National League All-Star. In 2015 he’ll be fighting for the last available spot in the Chicago Cubs rotation. In a swift fall from grace, Wood will have to prove that last season wasn’t a trend and try to return to his previous level. Just as Starlin Castro and Anthony rizzo bounced back from down years, this will be his year to do the same.

New Cubs’ ace Jon Lester was eager to get to work, as he and his father loaded up his pickup and headed to Mesa, Arizona to get his spring rolling. Pitchers and catchers officially report for the Cubs on February 19, with the first workouts on the 20th. Lester will be the solidifying force in a rotation that could be near the top of the National League.

Former great Frank Robinson will become a senior adviser to new commissioner Rob Manfred. He will leave his job as executive vice president for baseball development to take the position. He was also appointed honorary president of the American League, replacing Angels owner Jackie Autry who had held the position since it’s inception in 2001.

Casey Janssen and the Washington Nationals have finalized a one-year deal, with a mutual option for 2016 that guarantees him $5 million. Janssen has spent his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 29-24 with 90 saves and a 3.52 ERA since 2006.

Here are some of the stories from around the league:

‘Can Travis Wood win the last spot in the rotation?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Jon Lester getting to work in Mesa early for the Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Casey Janssen, Nationals finalize one-year deal’ – ESPN.com

‘Franks Robinson to be adviser to new commish’ – ESPN.com

‘Diamondbacks sign veteran Laird to minor league deal’ – Venom Strikes